Cindy or Sterling?
November 2, 2009
Cindy or Sterling ? I Like to Know for Myself As a father of six children in the Maeser neighborhood and a business owner in downtown Provo, I have a vested interest in our community. I don’t buy into the hype and rumor from either side. In fact, I find it somewhat humorous that both VoteforCindy.com and StopCindy.com equally misrepresent the truth by either claiming credit or extending blame where it isn’t deserved. I have personally met with both candidates individually to understand their positions. I have become convinced that Cindy in general is an advocate for the neighborhood. And I have found Sterling to be an honest guy running a clean campaign. In fact, I found that both candidates are sincere in their intentions, and are looking to work for the best interests of the residents. In her favor, Cindy has a lot of experience and the connections to get things done. On the other hand, Sterling’s youth actually gives him more enthusiasm about getting things done and a more objective view about local politics. “Can You Give Us a Commitment?” Many have asked me who I support. And for much of this race I have remained decidedly neutral. In trying to decide for myself, I have asked both candidates some tough questions about the state of our neighborhoods and our opportunities for the future. And I asked each if they would commit to us to fight for what our neighborhoods want – even if it went against their own agenda. This essentially made my decision for me: Cindy declined to make this commitment, with no explanation. Sterling agreed to make this commitment, saying: “the voice of the constituents would be the deciding factor.” The Battle to Save the Neighborhoods It is a battle to preserve and improve declining neighborhoods – one that our neighborhood has been losing. Cindy did a great job when she was a neighborhood chair and during her first term in office. But for the last 8 years, her biggest efforts have been towards keeping herself in office. Things like subsidized housing programs and painted homes, while a great benefit to individual families, has proven ineffective towards improving our neighborhood. Most of those recipients have already moved on. We need a more concentrated effort that helps create a market driven change. And we need to know that after all our effort, the rug won’t be pulled out from under us. We Need Change Not just in who represents us at the City Council, but real changes in how are neighborhoods are defined and how they grow. The last 8 years haven’t seen much improvement. In a major issue facing our neighborhood (i.e. developing subsidized housing on the last piece of accessible open space in the central Maeser area), Cindy voted against the requests of more than 90% of the residents. In fact, she worked behind the scenes to ensure the neighborhood initiative would not succeed. After the Maeser neighborhood failed in replacing her during the last election, we received virtually no help from her for the past 4 years. But you know what? Things didn’t get any worse. In other words, having Cindy’s “help” before was no different then not having it for the last 4 years. There must be a reason why so may people are asking for change. It is time to find someone that will commit to openly stand up for us and help us fight our battles. So, I am supporting STERLING BECK! Sincerely Michael Horito Maeser Neighborhood Resident Downtown Business Owner
Midge Johnson’s Endorsement
November 2, 2009
Midge Johnson
Provo City Council
District #3
Dear Voter,
This year’s elections are as important as they are strange! Having a front-row seat on the Council, I believe I know the issues as well as anyone in Provo. I would like to share my perspective about the candidates in District #5.
Having recently attended a conference in Salt Lake City with the Utah League of Cities and Towns we received some counsel from Craig Call, a former Provo City Council Member and State Ombudsmen. He strongly encouraged cities to elect some younger members to serve. He stated that while we still want life experience and the wisdom that comes with it, we would be better served if we had some fresh ideas from those who still have most of the future before them.
That’s what I see in Sterling Beck. His “new” outside perspective is very critical at this time in Provo. We are at the threshold of some dynamic growth in Provo with our Bus Rapid Transit System, Transit Oriented Development, corridor building and trying to build our tax base. Sterling brings “vision” to the table. The rest of us, more mature Council Members, will only benefit from thinking “out of the box”. Sterling will bring important dialogue to critical decisions that will affect us for years to come. Sterling is well educated, and comes from a family who has served well and who understands the processes of government.
He is eager to learn, listen, and to serve.
Let me also add this, his opponent is a friend of mine. She has served our city well. I appreciate her work and dedication. I heartily applaud her for it. However, I personally believe that we shouldn’t have career politicians in city government–two terms are enough and four terms are just too many. The people in my district tell me they would like to see a change. They would like to see more money and effort spent in their neighborhoods and not in just the downtown neighborhoods.
Please remember to vote on November 3rd!
Midge Johnson
